Blogging From A to Z Day 7: G is for Godzilla

Images courtesy of Nissan

For the month of April I will be participating in the Blogging From A to Z Challenge. Learn more about the challenge by clicking here. Each day (except Sundays) I will be posting a theme based on each letter of the alphabet. This blog is covering automotive topics for the month. To read my other blog posts for the challenge, click here.

I thought with the release of the Godzilla movie it would be appropriate to highlight the automotive Godzilla, otherwise known as the Nissan GT-R. The car comes by the nickname rightfully, considering it is known for monstrous performance, plus the car hails from Japan.

The Nissan GT-R cars first started in 1969 and ran until 1973. Nissan brought the cars back in 1989, which is when the car was first called "Godzilla" for its frightening performance. Since then, the GT-R has been the most performance-oriented Nissan. Not only do they use a potent engine, but also an even more potent turbocharger setup to push out increasing amounts of power.

The automaker has used the GT-R to showcase some advanced technologies. For example, the current GT-R features a drivetrain setup where the engine is at the front of the car, while the transmission is located in the rear, providing better balance and superior handling. Other innovations include four-wheel steering and a highly advanced all-wheel drive system.

Some Nissan purists try to argue that since the current GT-R is not based on the Skyline platform, it is in fact not a Godzilla. I'm not a purist, so I think it's a load of bull. Besides, the current GT-R is a great performer that can crush Ferraris, Corvettes, Porsche 911s and more not only in drag races, but also on racetracks with plenty of tight turns. Who wouldn't wan to lay claim to that?